Nat has a tragic past that haunts him. But now, he has been selected to be part of an elite group of American boys and men who will perform in the new Old Globe, Shakespeare's own theater in England. They will do it the old way, with boys playing the female roles.

While staying with a kind family during his time at the Old Globe (the new one), he mysteriously falls ill and ends up working at the original Old Globe from 500 years ago. What has occurred? Will he ever recover from the traumas in his life? He gets to play Puck in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" alongside the actor who plays Oberon, who happens to be the author of the play. What has caused this switch? Will he ever return to his own time? Will he ever feel complete again?

This is not Cooper's finest work by any stretch. The magical writing that characterized her great series, "The Dark is Rising," is simply absent. I recall being quite disappointed when I first read it. However, now I find it much improved. It explores the wounds that love can inflict. It delves into the healing power of the arts. It speculates on what Shakespeare might have been like as a person. It delves into theatrical history. Ultimately, it is about love and kindness towards one another. It is recommended especially if you know a child is experiencing real loss or if you know someone who has been bitten by the theatrical bug.

I loved this book so very much.

It truly made a profound impact on me. After reading it, it stayed on my mind for months.

It's been approximately 13 years since I delved into the pages of King of Shadows, yet I still find myself reflecting on it from time to time.

This book is an absolute gem. It is a beautiful, somewhat heart-wrenching, read that takes you on an unforgettable journey.

The story and the characters are so vividly portrayed that they seem to come alive in your imagination.

It's one of those books that you can't help but recommend to others.

Even after all these years, its charm and significance have not faded.

I will always cherish the memories of reading this wonderful book.

KING OF SHADOWS

King of Shadows is an extraordinary book penned by the amazing award-winning Susan Cooper. When delving into this remarkable work, you will encounter a plethora of emotions, both sad and happy. If you are a devotee of historical fiction and time travel, you will be irresistibly drawn to devour this book in one sitting. It is truly a page-turner!

This book chronicles the adventures of an incredibly brave boy who has endured and continues to live a difficult life. In the summer of 1999, he journeyed to England to perform at the Globe Theatre, aspiring to become an outstanding actor with his company. However, Nat succumbs to a high fever and falls asleep. When he awakens, he finds himself in a completely different milieu. It is 1599, and Nat is now an actor at the original Globe Theatre, where he must confront the King of Shadows himself, William Shakespeare, in a world rife with excitement and danger. Nat has to surmount numerous arduous obstacles to return to 1999, which only serves to make his life even more challenging.

Once you embark on reading this amazing book, you will be unable to put it down. I would rate this book a solid 9.5 out of ten. I wholeheartedly recommend it to readers of all ages. You will read it and fall in love with it.